Wishing you could find a digital camera that takes AA batteries? While most digital cameras use proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, there are a handful of models -- the bulk of which are from Canon and Fuji -- that still use standard AA batteries. But do you really want a camera that runs on AA batteries? Well, for one thing, using an AA-powered digital camera makes it easy to have spares along if you start running out of juice. But are there downsides? Sure. Let's dig in to get the full picture.
The pros and cons of AA batteries
AA batteries offer some conveniences that lithium-ion batteries don't. Cameras that take AA batteries work with rechargeable NiMH batteries and non-rechargeable alkalines, both of which are readily available at drug stores, supermarkets, convenience stores and elsewhere. While rechargeable AA batteries make more sense in the long run, in a pinch, you can always use alkaline batteries, which you likely already have around the house. Likewise, you can swap the same batteries between different electronics. Lithium-ions require a trip to an electronics store or shopping online, are pricier, and usually differ in shape from device to device.
Some downsides to using AA batteries are that you'll have to replace alkaline batteries rather frequently. If you use rechargeable AAs, you'll need to buy a separate charging station. The digital camera battery pack indicator will warn you when your batteries are low, but until then, you won't be able to tell how much power you have left -- something that's not an issue with lithium-ion batteries (think of the indicator on your cell phone or smartphone). AA batteries will generally slow down your shooting times, especially when using flash, and they are less resilient to hot and cold temperatures than lithium-ion. Lithium-ion batteries also generally have a longer life than AAs and discharge less over time.
Top AA camera picks
All of the cameras discussed here are either basic point-and-shoots or ultrazooms. Pentax's recently discontinued K-x camera was the lone DSLR that could run off AA batteries.
Canon offers a wide variety of cameras that use AA batteries, including the Canon PowerShot A800 (*Est. $80) and Canon PowerShot A1200 (*Est. $90) as well as their respective updates, the A810 and A1300. Canon's A series of cameras are geared toward entry level photographers, and as such are easy to use, with more automatic features than manual functions. Both the A800 and A1200 receive good reviews -- the A800, in particular for its low price and long battery life(other long battery life:Canon nb-4l battery,FUJIFILM NP-120 battery,SONY NP-FC10 battery.) (an estimated 300 shots on a set of standard AA batteries). The A800 lacks a viewfinder, a feature that the A1200, and the new A1300 both have, and are especially helpful for digital camera novices. Both the A810 (*Est. $110) and A1300 (*Est. $120) have a 16-megapixel sensor and 5x optical zoom. Reviews have not yet rolled in on these new models. Nikon offers just one camera -- the Coolpix L24 (*Est. $70) -- that takes AAs. The L24 is very basic and easy to use, but most reviewers recommend skipping it in favor of the Canon A1200 or other inexpensive point and shoots.
Fuji offers a handful of AA-compatible ultrazoom cameras, including the Finepix HS20EXR, FinePix S4000, FinePix S2950 and the yet to be released FinePix AX550. Fuji's rather large HS20EXR has a huge 30x optical zoom. "It looks like a DSLR and it feels like a DSLR," say editors at DigitalCameraReview.com. While editors like the image quality of the HS20EXR, they point to its bulkiness, slow startup time and autofocus issues as flaws. The S4000 is equally bulky, not a surprise since it also sports a 30x zoom lens, while the S2950 has 18x optical zoom. Image quality for both is just so-so according to reviews. The forthcoming FinePix AX550 is compact and features a much smaller 5x zoom lens. Canon also offers an ultrazoom model that takes AA batteries -- the 12x Canon PowerShot SX150 IS, though reviewers say its image quality and performance aren't the best.
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